Menu Close

Mental Health Awareness Week

from 13th to 19th May 2024 we take the opportunity to think about our mental health and how we can best take care of it

The theme for this year is “Movement: moving for our mental health.”, as set by the Mental Health Foundation. The theme encourages us to engage in physical activity to improve our wellbeing.

We always try our best to be active, but sometimes life can get in the way. Our lives can get so busy with work or school that exercise and movement can sometimes take a back seat. However, exercise is crucial in maintaining not only our physical health but our mental health as well. Research shows that simple exercise can reduce our stress levels and even combat conditions like anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. 

How can I move more? 

There are many ways in which you can stay active. Here are just some ways as shown in our workouts to boost wellbeing page: 

Yoga

Yoga is another excellent low-impact exercise that focuses on breathing, posture and meditation. Yoga has been known to improve your general wellbeing and boost your mood if done regularly. As you breathe in, more oxygen flows to your brain, which helps to calm your nerves down and boosts your overall mood. Read more about our involvement with University of Dundee’s Yoga Society.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a famous martial art exercise originating from China. It mainly focuses on breathing and movement. Slow organised movements are beneficial to the nervous system, as they help the brain relax and become more focused.

Our Stafford Centre service in Edinburgh regularly does Tai Chi sessions for people receiving support with their mental health.

Aerobics

Engaging in activities like walking, jogging, swimming, or using a treadmill can make you feel good! These exercises are not only fun but also keep your body and mind healthy and happy. Plus, going outside for your exercise can boost your mood even more! So, remember, exercise isn’t just about fun; it’s about feeling great too.

Not sure where to start? There are many walking apps that can track your progress. If you’re looking to take up jogging, Couch to 5K can help you slowly build up your stamina.

Does movement help you?

Share your experiences with movement and mental health! Take our quick poll.

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form

    Next Steps: Install a Payment Add-On

    To accept payments on this form you will need to install one of our payment add-ons. To learn more about your payment add-on options, visit the following page (https://www.gravityforms.com/blog/payment-add-ons). Important: Delete this tip before you publish the form.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Want to move more but need a reason to do it? Sign up to our 100 challenge and do 100 of whatever feels great to you this July while fundraising for Change Mental Health.  

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to move the conversation around mental health forward. Too many do not have access to the support they need, when they need it and in a way which works best for them. 

Movement doesn’t just need to be physical activity. It can be action too. 

Donate to Change Mental Health today so we can support more people in communities across Scotland.

If you want to have fun AND push yourself physically, why not get a team together to take on a brilliant Kiltwalk event? Spend your day dressed in tartan and take in the sights as you walk the route around Aberdeen, Dundee or Edinburgh.  

Did you know that you can support Change Mental Health through various other challenge events? Sign up to the Edinburgh Marathon Festival 5k or 10k run , the Scottish Half Marathon or the Women’s or Men’s 10K today and proudly represent Change Mental Health in your charity t-shirt while raising funds to help us support more people affected by mental illness.

support

Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our own Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.

Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.

related

Skip to content